CASTLETON, Vt. – The Vermont State University Castleton men's basketball team battled hard but fell to Little East Conference opponent Eastern Connecticut State University, 75-65, on Thursday afternoon. Despite outscoring the Warriors 46-38 in the second half, the Spartans were unable to overcome a significant 18-point halftime deficit.

The game started closely, with the score tied three times early on. Castleton briefly took a 6-4 lead after a Troy Butler fastbreak layup at 16:41, but Eastern Connecticut responded with a nine-point run to take a 13-6 lead. The Warriors extended their advantage, outscoring Castleton 23-8 for the remainder of the half, leading 37-19 at the break.

In the second half, the Spartans showed resilience, trimming the gap by outscoring Eastern Connecticut 46-38. However, they were unable to cut the deficit to single digits, as the Warriors led by as much as 20 points. Castleton managed to close the gap to 10 points in the final two minutes, thanks to a strong finish by Butler, who scored seven points in that span, including a three-pointer, a layup, and a pair of free throws. Justin Schwarzbeck also contributed a free throw in the closing minutes.

Butler led the offensive effort with a season-high 25 points, adding one rebound and one assist. Will Radcliff was the only other Spartan to reach double figures, finishing with 11 points and seven rebounds (five of them offensive). Schwarzbeck led the team in rebounds with eight (six defensive, two offensive).

Castleton outperformed Eastern Connecticut in second-chance points, 11-4.

The Spartans will return to action on Saturday, traveling to the University of Southern Maine for a 2 p.m. Little East Conference contest against the Huskies.